Softball will get their 2020 campaign kicked off on Saturday as they welcome Wabash Valley to Cleveland State. Their doubleheader will begin at 12:30 ET. The series will continue on Sunday with a doubleheader beginning at 12:00 ET.
Saturday's games will be the first for Steve Jaecks as the acting head coach of the Lady Cougars. Jaecks took over the role for Katie Willingham back in July of 2019 after previously serving as her assistant since August 2016. The game will also be the debut for assistant coach Jennah McElheney, who is in her first season with Cleveland State.
The Lady Cougars had a strong 2019 campaign they will hope to build on in 2020. Cleveland State went 25-22 overall and posted a 13-16 record in conference play. Their TCCAA tournament was one for the ages, as they won three games and advanced to the semi-finals, including winning vs. host school Columbia State after an Auburn Collake walk-off.
The roster will feature three returning sophomores. Hannah Turner, who was second in the team with eight home runs, third on the team with 31 RBIs and also batted .303 (40-for-132) with 25 runs scored, will provide familiarity to the hot corner for the Lady Cougars. Kat Cechini will return and play first base for the Lady Cougars after her .333 (19-for-57), 14 RBI, and four home run campaign in 2019. Utility player Kati Kennedy also returns for the Lady Cougars after her .294 (10-for-34) and six RBI season last spring.
The 2020 roster will also feature a load of fresh faces. Jaecks highlighted catcher Amber Atkins, who is "a power hitter and high energy" and Anna Yell, the squad's "number one pitcher who beat UTC in the fall" and is "also a great hitter who can play outfield" as two newcomers he expects to make the biggest impact.
"We have a team that gives 100 percent all of the time and believes in each other," said Jaecks of the 2020 campaign. "We have great talent that will equate to success on the field. We have a team that has bought into the fundamental process because they each have a passion for excellence."
After their opening series, the Lady Cougars will be back in action on Feb. 14 as they face Gordon State in their first road series of the year. The doubleheader will get kicked off at 1:00 ET.
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